Domaine Chandon Celebrates 30th Anniversary With Open House

Sparkling wine producer in Napa marks occasion with entertainment for the public and a reservations-needed 30-course dinner.

Domaine Chandon, one of California's leading producers of sparkling wine, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, May 2-4, at its winery in Yountville.

In 1973, Moët & Chandon became the first French Champagne house to establish a large-scale sparkling wine venture in California. The first vintages were made at Trefethen winery, but the operation moved in 1977, when a beautiful winery and surrounding grounds in Yountville were completed.

Chandon is one of the most popular destinations in the Napa Valley, and is the only Napa Valley winery with an on-site restaurant. An elegant black-tie, 30-course dinner -- featuring past and present chefs of The Restaurant at Domaine Chandon -- kicks off the festivities on Friday, May 2. Those preparing the meal include Eric Torralba, executive chef of The Restaurant at Domaine Chandon; Robert Curry, executive chef of Flying Fish Café; Bob Hurley, executive chef and owner of Hurley's Restaurant & Café; and Cal Stamenov, executive chef of Bernardus Lodge. Reservations are extremely limited, and the cost is $425 per person.

On Saturday and Sunday, Chandon will hold an open house that will feature live music, performing artists, demonstrations by resident artists and activities for children. Admission to the winery on both days is free and includes a complimentary glass of Chandon 30th Anniversary Cuvée. Wine and food seminars will be held on Saturday, for an additional $20 charge, and reservations are required.

In addition to its sparkling wine cuvées, Chandon also recently began producing a line of varietal still wines -- Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier -- the three grapes used in Champagne blends.

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